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River Rat opens March 10, schedules launch events

River Rat, Columbia’s second post-Prohibition production brewery, will officially open its doors to the public on Monday, March 10.

When it opens, River Rat will be Columbia’s largest production brewery, located in the area around Williams-Brice Stadium. The grand opening party is scheduled to include a ribbon cutting, creole food and live music from Andrew Scotchie & The River Rats (a fitting choice for music). As far as beer goes, expect to have the chance to try their Hazelnut Brown Ale, Broad River Red Ale, Winter Warmer and Double IPA. More beers will join the lineup shortly after the opening.

Opening a brewery on a Monday may seem like a strange choice, but according to owner Mike Tourville, it allows locals to get the first taste and helps cut back on overcrowding on Day 1.

Before the 10th, River Rat has scheduled a slew of launch events at various bars and beer spots across the Capital City. Specifics about what will be available where will be announced soon, but launch events are scheduled for Morganelli’s and Liberty Tap Room on Tuesday, February 25; World of Beer and Green’s on Piney Grove on Thursday, February 27; and Total Wine on Harbison and the Publick House in Five Points Friday, February 28.